Why Do People with Dementia Wander? Understanding the Causes and How to Respond

For families caring for a loved one with dementia, wandering can be one of the most worrying and challenging behaviours to manage. It’s not just the act of wandering itself that’s concerning—it’s the risks associated with it, from getting lost to encountering hazardous environments.

But why do people with dementia wander in the first place? Understanding the underlying causes can help families take steps to minimise wandering and keep their loved ones safe. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this behaviour, the dangers it poses, and practical strategies for managing it, including how modern technology like geofencing can offer peace of mind.

What Is Wandering in Dementia?

Wandering is a common behaviour among people living with dementia. It occurs when an individual moves from one place to another without a clear purpose or unexpectedly leaves a safe environment. This behaviour can range from pacing around a room to venturing outside and becoming disoriented, which can stem from boredom.

For someone with dementia, wandering isn’t necessarily aimless; they might be trying to meet a specific need or follow a routine they once relied on. However, memory problems, confusion, and difficulty recognising familiar surroundings often make it hard for them to navigate safely or return to where they started.

Wandering can take many forms, such as:

• Looking for something or someone: They may believe they need to find a family member, a specific location, or an item they feel is missing.
• Trying to ‘go home’: Even if they are already at home, they might not recognise it and try to leave.
• Seeking past routines: People with dementia may attempt to continue activities from earlier in their life, such as going to work or visiting a friend.

While wandering itself may seem harmless at first, it can become dangerous, especially if the individual ends up in an unfamiliar or hazardous environment. This is why understanding and addressing wandering is so important for families and carers.

According to research, more than 60% of people with dementia will wander at some point, which highlights how widespread this behaviour is. For families, it can be both emotionally draining and concerning, as the fear of a loved one getting lost or hurt is ever-present.

The good news is that while wandering is a common behaviour, it’s also manageable. By recognising the triggers behind wandering and taking proactive steps to create a safer environment, families can reduce the risk and keep their loved ones secure.

Why Is A Risk of Wandering Dangerous?

Wandering in people with dementia is more than just a behavioural challenge—it can pose serious risks to the individual’s safety and well-being. Understanding these dangers highlights the importance of preventive measures and quick response systems. These are the most common risks associated with dementia sufferer’s wandering.

Getting Lost

People with dementia often become disoriented, even in familiar places. When wandering, they might struggle to find their way back, leaving them vulnerable to becoming lost.

• In some cases, individuals may wander far from home, making it harder for caregivers or authorities to locate them quickly.
• According to research from the Alzheimer’s Society, up to 50% of individuals who wander for more than 24 hours risk serious injury or death due to exposure or accidents.

Exposure to Hazardous Environments

Wandering can lead to situations where the person is exposed to potentially dangerous environments, such as:

• Busy roads or motorways: Individuals might attempt to cross without recognising the danger of oncoming traffic.
• Extreme weather conditions: Prolonged exposure to heat, cold, or rain can result in dehydration, hypothermia, or heatstroke.

Injuries and Falls

Wandering often involves walking for extended periods, which increases the risk of trips, falls, and other accidents.

• Uneven terrain, stairs, or unfamiliar obstacles can lead to serious physical injuries.
• Dementia sufferers may also be unable to communicate their pain or distress effectively, delaying medical attention.

Vulnerability to Exploitation or Harm

Wandering makes individuals with dementia more vulnerable to harm from strangers or dangerous situations.

• They may accept help from someone with ill intentions or be unable to communicate their needs if approached by emergency services.
• Wandering alone can leave individuals feeling scared or emotionally distressed, which is further discussed here.

Emotional and Psychological Toll on Families

The dangers of wandering don’t only affect the individual; they also take a significant emotional toll on family members and caregivers.

• The constant worry about a loved one’s safety can lead to stress, anxiety, and exhaustion for carers.
• Learn more about the emotional impact on caregivers here: https://www.caring.com/symptoms/dementia-wandering.

How to Manage and Prevent Wandering

Wandering may be a common behaviour in dementia patients, but there are effective strategies that families and caregivers can use to minimise the risks and ensure their loved ones stay safe. Here’s how you can manage wandering and prevent it from becoming a danger:

Create a Safe Environment

A well-prepared home can significantly reduce the risks associated with wandering. Consider the following:

• Secure exits: Install locks on doors and windows that are out of sight or difficult to reach.
• Use visual cues: Add signs or labels to help your loved one navigate the home more easily.
• Hide triggers: Place car keys and shoes out of sight to reduce the likelihood of them attempting to leave.
• Install alarms or motion sensors: These can alert you if someone attempts to leave the house unexpectedly.

Address the Root Causes

Understanding and addressing the reasons behind wandering can help minimise it:

• Set a routine: A structured daily schedule can provide familiarity and reduce restlessness.
• Meet unmet needs: Regularly check if your loved one is hungry, thirsty, or needs to use the bathroom.
• Provide companionship: Feeling lonely or isolated can lead to wandering. Spending time with them or arranging social activities can help.

Use Technology to Stay Alert and Respond Quickly

We know that it’s often not possible to spend as much time with your dementia-suffering loved one as you’d like. Thankfully, technology offers powerful tools to help caregivers manage wandering.

• Geofencing and GPS tracking: Devices like our dementia tracking watch allow families to set virtual boundaries, known as geofences. If the wearer leaves the designated area, which can be as large or as small as makes sense for your loved one and their ability to manage, an alert is sent to the caregiver, enabling them to act quickly. You can also contact them directly on the watch they’re wearing so that you can calm them and persuade them to return home. If that’s not possible, the linked app shows the sufferer’s location to within 3m, so you or the emergency services know exactly where to find them.

Geofencing can provide significant peace of mind, knowing you’ll be notified the moment your loved one strays from safety. To learn more about how geofencing works and its benefits, read our article on Geofencing for Dementia Care(the link opens a new page, so you won’t lose this one).

Keep a Recent Photo and Personal Details Handy

If your loved one does wander, having a recent photo and key information (e.g., their name, medical conditions) ready to share with local authorities can speed up the search process.

Engage Professional Support

If wandering becomes frequent or difficult to manage, consulting a dementia specialist or occupational therapist can provide personalised strategies and advice tailored to your situation.

Summary

Wandering is a common behaviour in dementia sufferers, but it doesn’t have to mean constant worry for their families. By understanding the causes, creating a safe environment, and using technology like GPS-enabled geofencing watches, you can significantly reduce the risks while giving your loved one the freedom they need.

If wandering is a concern for your family, we encourage you to explore how geofencing can support dementia care. Learn more in our guide: Geofencing for Dementia Care.

With the right tools and strategies in place, you can focus on what matters most—spending quality time with your loved one and ensuring their well-being.

If you’d like our technology to bring you or your elderly relative peace of mind to know that they’re being looked after 24/7, then click this link to find out more about our Perfect Alert Dementia Tracking Watch.